Faithful in Truth and Love

1. WALKING IN THE TRUTH

(a) grounded in the truth – the “truth” is foundational to a Christian lifestyle

• God is ultimate “truth” – all that we know as “truth” is derived from this
• God has revealed the “truth” to us in Jesus Christ, as also in the Scriptures
• see John 1:14 and 17; John 14:6; John 8:37-38; Colossians 1:5-6

(b) walking in the truth – this means to live in conformity to the truth!

2. WALKING IN LOVE

(a) a distinguishing mark – see 1 John 3:14 and 19
– it’s no mere sentiment!

(b) a commanded walk – loving one another is not optional; God requires this

• note that John defines love as “walk(ing) according to his commands”

3. WALKING FAITHFULLY

(a) many deceivers – these are marked by denying the real humanity of Jesus

(b) “watch yourselves” – this shows the need to be on high alert against error!

• verse 9 – those who “progress” beyond the truth “do not have God”!
• we are not to give the least encouragement to heretics (v. 10-11)